“Great!” said former undisputed world middleweight and light-heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins, the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world. “He’s Philly now. He got it! He’s going to be around for a long time.”

More than 11,000 were in attendance, as the event was televised live on SHOWTIME. The stage was set for Garcia, boxing’s newest star, to showcase to the world that he is a real fighter and that the Amir Khan demolition was no fluke. Garcia, who beat Morales in March 2012 to capture the WBC 140-pound title, was in command as soon as the fight started. Garcia badly hurt Morales with a right hand in the second round.

Garcia boxed Morales and didn’t lose his composure. Garcia was sharp with his punches and appeared to have very good movement.

In round four, Garcia landed a sharp left hook so hard, Morales’ body shifted direction before he found himself drilled through the ropes in the clear view of Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, and Mike Tyson all sitting in the front row.

“That left hook, I got that from my mom,” said a jubilant Garcia after the fight. “Her side of the family is all left handed.”

Everyone expected something special from Garcia following his career-best, fourth round KO win against Khan in July. Garcia did not disappoint. Garcia was relaxed and in full control from the opening bell.

“He’s a crafty veteran,” said Garcia of his opponent, a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame. “I really thought we’d go 12 rounds. He hit me with a couple of good shots, but I came back strong. “In our first fight, I laid back a little too much. In this fight, I was more confident and I knew I could set up my punches and land some big shots.”

A shocked and dejected Morales simply didn’t have the words to express his performance. Morales said: “Time goes by. This is a sign that the end is near.”

Erik Morales is one of the greatest Mexican fighters in history. Morales’ legacy consists of a pair of trilogies with Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera. Morales prime weight was at featherweight. Morales had a lot of wars through the years and time has finally caught up to him. Morales was a wonderful fighter and doesn’t deserve to get hurt.

Peter Quillin captures WBO middleweight championship.

Kid Chocolate returns

Boxing may also have a new star in ‘Kid Chocolate’ Peter Quillin (28-0, 20 KOs). The Brooklyn, NY native became a world champion in his hometown on Saturday night when he destroyed Frenchman Hassan N’Dam (27-1, 17 KOs) through twelve rounds for the WBO middleweight title. Quillin scored two knockdowns in each of rounds four, six, and twelve. All three judges scored the bout 115-107.

“I’m living out my journey right now,” Quillin. “I came from the ground right up to the big stage. Thank God for making me a fighter and Brooklyn for making me a man. This was an extraordinary event. I’m glad I opened the Barclays Center a new world champion.”

Alexander wins IBF welterweight title

Former unified WBC/IBF junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander (24-1, 13 KOs) seized the IBF welterweight title from Randall Bailey (43-8, 37 KOs) winning a unanimous decision. Alexander, now a two-division champion, looked terrible for his refusal to let his hands go. Bailey himself hardly threw any punches and did a poor job of pressing Alexander. The judges scored the bout: 115-111, 116-110, and 117-109.

“I’m always my own worst critique,” Alexander stated afterward. I was cautious of his right hand. I’m always fighting. Each fight will not be the same. [Bailey] had decent power. I had power too. Everyone has power inn the pro game.

Alexander’s trainer Kevin Cunningham stated he will take an Alexander victory anyway he can get it: “Definitely, a win is a win.”

Malignaggi escapes Cano

Also, Paulie Malignaggi (32-4, 7 KOs), in what should have been his first defense of the WBA welterweight title, but wasn’t because his opponent didn’t make weight, barely survived Pablo Cesar Cano (26-2-1, 20 KOs). Malignaggi survived an eleventh-round knockdown to win a close split-decision. The judges had it 114-113 twice for Paulie and a whopping `118-109 for Cano.

Welterweight World Title was not on the line as Pablo Cesar Cano (26-2-1, 20 KO’s) failed to make the 147-pound limit on Friday. Malignaggi, a Brooklyn native (32-4, 7 KO’s), won a close split decision over Cano in the 12-round bout. The final marks from the judges came in at 114-113 twice (Malignaggi) and 118-109 (Cano), which produced mixed reactions from the crowd.

Danny Jacobs wins in Brooklyn debut

Fighting for the first time as a professional in his native Brooklyn, NY, Danny Jacobs (23-1, 20 KOs) knocked out Josh Luteran (13-2, 9 KOs) in the first round. Jacobs was out of action for months following debilitating spinal cord surgery. Jacobs has been showcased on many HBO boxing programming and his fight was aired live on SHOWTIME EXTREME. Jacobs is a fascinating young man with another chance to become something special. He already is a great story, but let’s see if he can mature into world class fighter at the highest level.